Gov. Kemp extending ‘shelter-in-place’ order until April 30

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that his “shelter-in-place” order will be extended until April 30. It was set to expire next week.

Gov.Kemp announced earlier Wednesday plans to extend Georgia’s Public Health State of Emergency declaration in response to the coronavirus outbreak until May 13. His original declaration was set to expire on April 13th. Georgia state law allows the governor to renew the declaration.

RECAP: Public health state of emergency extended thru May 13. Shelter in place now thru April 30. Short-term vacation rentals banned thru April 30. 1,000 more @GeorgiaGuard activated - now 3,000 total - to assist. Stricter infection controls mandated at long-term care facilities.

“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”

When the Public Health Emergency was declared on March 14, it activated the state emergency operations plan and made available state resources to help address any threats to public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies.